699 Superleggera
A highlight of Cassina’s
catalogue since 1957, the Superleggera represents the perfect outcome between
the creative imagination of the architect Gio Ponti, and Cassina’s
manufacturing excellence, an undisputed icon that is both of-the-moment and
pays tribute to traditional artisanal skills. Superleggera demonstrates the
constructive prowess of the MedaMade craftsmen: the challenge they faced, of
making an extra-light chair, was overcome with the Superleggera’s legs having a
cross-section of just eighteen millimetres, the whole weighing a mere 1,700
grams!
While the frame exploits
the inherent lightness and flexibility of ashwood, the seat surround is in
beech, which is more close-grained and stronger. The wood parts are created by
machine, and hand-finished, glue being applied with a brush, the excess being
wiped off, and the seat being hand-woven. Thus do crafts expertise and
industrial innovation come together in what we could call a “prime object”,
informed by the chair-making traditions of Chiavari, in Liguria, northern
Italy. The Superleggera is available both in the classic version or with
coloured legs, as well as with a padded seat.
About Designer | |
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Gio Ponti |
An
architect, a designer and an artist, Gio Ponti (Milano 1891-1979) graduated in
Milan in 1921 and initially entered into partnership with Emilio Lancia and
Mino Fiocchi from 1927 to 1933. In 1927 he founded Il Labirinto with Lancia,
Buzzi, Marelli, Venini and Chiesa in order to produce high-quality furniture
and objects. From 1923 to 1930 he has been Richard Ginori’s artistic director.
Thanks to the creation of Domus magazine in 1928 (which he presided over almost
constantly until his death), Ponti made an intensive contribution to the
renewal of the Italian production in the sector, giving it new impetus. Ponti
has been a strong supporter of the Monza Biennale, then the Milan Triennale, of
the Compasso d’Oro awards and of ADI (Association of Industrial Design). As an
architect, he created the symbol of modern Milan, the Pirelli skyscraper,
designed with Fornaroli, Rosselli and Nervi in 1956. In 1951, he realised the
second Palazzo Montecatini (his first office building dates back to 1938-39).
In 1957 he designed the super-celebrated Superleggera chair for Cassina, the
crowning achievement of a long and fruitful working association. To his
planning activities, he added educational activities, teaching at the Faculty
of Architecture in Milan from 1936 to 1961. |